History repeats itself! Bjorn Borg's dream run at the Wimbledon was halted by a left hander, but not before the Swede had won 5 successive Wimbledon crowns ( 1976-1980). Federer who had high hopes of surpassing the legendary Swede's feat, was also halted by a south-paw again in a grueling 5-set encounter.
Fans, Media and Players themselves have started drawing comparisons between the 2008 Final and the 1980 epic final between Borg and McEnroe, latter is considered to be the mother of all Wimbledon finals. But McEnroe himself confessed that final between Federer and Nadal (2008) was the best of all time. The match lasted for a marathon 4h48' testing the mental and physical toughness!
Federer looked out of sorts in the first set, came hard next set. But Nadal made a swift comeback from 1-4 down to win the second set 6-4. Nadal won 5 straight games and pocketed a handsome 2-0 set lead. Rain, ' the divine intervention' for Federer gave him a break to quickly regroup his game and concentration and immediately Fedex was on a roll and at his menacing best.
Fans, Media and Players themselves have started drawing comparisons between the 2008 Final and the 1980 epic final between Borg and McEnroe, latter is considered to be the mother of all Wimbledon finals. But McEnroe himself confessed that final between Federer and Nadal (2008) was the best of all time. The match lasted for a marathon 4h48' testing the mental and physical toughness!
Federer looked out of sorts in the first set, came hard next set. But Nadal made a swift comeback from 1-4 down to win the second set 6-4. Nadal won 5 straight games and pocketed a handsome 2-0 set lead. Rain, ' the divine intervention' for Federer gave him a break to quickly regroup his game and concentration and immediately Fedex was on a roll and at his menacing best.
Federer staged one of the best ever comeback in a grand slam final, produced some scintillating stroke play and won the third set 7-6. Federer won points at net at will. The fourth set again headed for a tie-break, and just when everyone thought Nadal was running home with the crown, Federer displayed unbelievable tennis to save 4 championship points. To be more accurate, when Nadal was serving for the match 8-7, Federer came up with an incredible backhand winner, only to save the match! Spectators at the centre court and millions of people around the world must have had the heart in their mouth for a split second. Federer won the fourth set, again 7-6.
After an agonizing rain interruption, match resumed again and both the finalist used all possible weapons in their armory to clinch the Grand slam. In what was supposed to be most dramatic fifth set final ever, Nadal had the last laugh. Spaniard won 9-7, and he couldn't hide the emotion. If Pat Cash, was the first to start the tradition of climbing up to the Guest Box, to get a hug or two from family and friends, Nadal( if I am right )was the first to climb up to the Royal Box! Glorious moments, Nadal would cherish for the rest of his life.
On a personal note, I would rate this final on par with 1980 final between Borg and McEnroe, 1990 final between Becker and Edberg and of course the 2001 final between Ivanesivic and Rafter. Incidentally all the six players, are serve & volleyer's , which is a rare breed these days!
This year, has not been a smooth sail for Federer! But adversity brings the best out of champions. Federer has found a new and perhaps his first adversary in Grass!
No comments:
Post a Comment